Is Ryan Tannehill Really Ready to Take Control of the Dolphins Offense?

Ryan Tannehill doesn't have another choice. He has to be prepared to lead the Miami Dolphins' offense at the beginning of the 2012 NFL season.

After all, he was named the Week 1 starter earlier this week. Per the Associated Press via ESPN.com:

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New coach Joe Philbin gave Tannehill the job Monday, meaning the Dolphins will have a rookie QB start a season opener for the first time when they play at Houston on Sept. 9.

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So, the Dolphins have chosen to bypass the effectiveness of Matt Moore from 2011, which could turn out to be a missed opportunity if Tannehill flops early this season.

Miami can't afford a slow start in a stronger division courtesy of the Buffalo Bills, and going with Tannehill adds quite a bit of pressure. To that end, let's break down the Dolphins and their new gunslinger as we impatiently await for kickoff in Week 1.

Learning Curve Assisted by Mike Sherman

Having his old college head coach as the offensive coordinator is a big time advantage for Tannehill.

The past four years at Texas A&M, Tannehill was a key contributor to Sherman's offense. Beginning as a receiver, Tannehill transitioned to quarterback and developed quickly. That experience lining up out wide is another distinct advantage because it allows Tannehill to visualize more clearly with his targets.

He has a stronger grasp of when and where routes are to be broken off, as well as how to make the throw. Combine Tannehill's attributes of size, mobility, arm strength and knowledge of the system and all that remains is to get acclimated to the speed of pro football.

This brings us to one more assist from Sherman, and that's his own NFL coaching experience. From 1997 through 2007, Sherman coached in the pros and was the Green Bay Packers' head coach from 2000-2005.

The man simply knows the game at each level. Now, Sherman has his college quarterback as the next project, and through two preseason games it's been solid progression.

Opportunity of Building Chemistry with WRs

Here is where the Dolphins are starting over.

Miami has a nice array of young receivers like B.J. Cunningham, Rishard Matthews and Jeff Fuller. Include tight end Michael Egnew and Tannehill and that's five rookies  that could significantly contribute in 2012.

With Matt Moore being 28 years old, it's not so much that he's past his prime as it is the Dolphins planning long term. Just imagine how much potential synchronization will reside within the Miami offense a few years down the road.

Lest we forget about other experienced receiving targets like Davone Bess, Legedu Naanee and Anthony Fasano.

Encompassed quite well around Tannehill are the Dolphins, and the only way to get rhythm and timing is by putting him under center. Not to mention Fuller was his favorite target while at A&M.

Is That Your Final Answer?

Tannehill is ready to take control of the Dolphins' offense, but expectations must be held in check.

He performed well against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with 167 yards on 14 completions and one touchdown. Tannehill's arm strength alone will carry him through his rookie campaign, because as we saw against the Carolina Panthers, opponents will blitz Miami often.

The Patriots and Bills already present excellent front sevens to face and despite their offensive ineptitude, the Jets' defense can bring the pain. Right now Tannehill just has to get calmer when in the pocket and literally become apathetic toward getting hit.

Last season the Dolphins allowed 52 sacks, and although his mobility will cut that down, NFL defenses won't allow Tannehill to roam like he did in college. In order to make his receivers better and avoid attempting ill-advised throws while on the run, remaining in the pocket to build awareness is imperative.

Miami took a risk when selecting him, and it's an even greater risk starting him. The investment has potential to be worthwhile, however, the pressure of expectancy also increases threefold from being a top-10 pick, named the starter and having been a part of Sherman's system.

As we've come too far to know in pro football, nothing is guaranteed.

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